How do disabilities impact mental health?

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In the U.S., adults with disabilities report experiencing higher levels of mental distress than those without disabilities. While it would be easy to assume this correlation is down to the disabilities themselves, this would be a narrow-minded view.

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While pain, fatigue, and functional limitations can contribute to mental health challenges, the deeper issue often lies in how disabled people are treated by society. Inaccessibility, stigma, isolation, and the constant need to ‘prove’ a disability all take a toll, emotionally and mentally.

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In this article, we look to explore these factors in more depth, outline the common mental health conditions that disabled people face, discuss the types of support people with disabilities need, and how those with both visible and invisible disabilities can own their experience and advocate for themselves.

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Key takeaways

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• Mental health challenges in disabled people are often driven by social and systemic barriers.

• Invisible disabilities are common and frequently overlooked, which can lead to delayed support, isolation, and increased emotional distress.

• Intersecting identities, such as being LGBTQ+ and disabled, intensify mental health risks due to compounded discrimination and exclusion from multiple communities.

• Support must include inclusive environments, accommodations, self-advocacy tools, and systemic change.

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Why are people with disabilities more likely to experience mental health issues?

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There are many reasons why someone with a disability can be more prone to poor mental health. Biology and genetics may increase a person’s likelihood of developing mental health problems. In addition, some disabilities can trigger a decline in mental health due to pain, lifestyle changes, and physical limitations.

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However, there are a plethora of systemic and social factors that also influence the relationships between poor mental health and disabilities:

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Negative life events

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Many disabled people experience traumatic events like neglect or abuse, especially in childhood or care settings. These events can leave lasting psychological scars and significantly increase the risk of anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and depression.

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Stress

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Chronic stress from managing health, navigating inaccessible environments, or constantly needing to self-advocate can wear down emotional resilience. Over time, this can lead to burnout, low mood, and long-term mental health struggles.

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Ableism

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Ableism, whether overt or subtle, reinforces the idea that disabled lives are less valuable. Internalizing this societal prejudice can deeply damage self-worth and contribute to anxiety, depression, or shame around personal identity.

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Isolation

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Physical barriers, social stigma, and a lack of understanding can lead to disconnection from friends, family, or community. This social isolation is a major risk factor for depression and emotional distress.

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Lack of accessibility

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When public spaces, services, or digital platforms aren't designed with accessibility in mind, it sends the message that disabled people don't belong. Constant exclusion like this can impact confidence and mental well-being.

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Social barriers

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Beyond physical access, disabled people often face barriers to employment, education, and relationships. These limitations, shaped by societal attitudes, can foster frustration, hopelessness, and feelings of being left behind.

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Limited coping mechanisms

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Disabled individuals may face fewer opportunities to engage in common mental health coping tools, such as exercise, travel, or socializing, which can make managing stress or low mood especially challenging.

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Microaggressions

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Dismissive comments, unwanted advice, or being spoken over are daily realities for many disabled people. While seemingly small, these constant slights can compound over time and erode mental health.

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Discrimination

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From healthcare to housing and employment, systemic discrimination creates real barriers. Facing unfair treatment again and again can lead to helplessness, anxiety, and long-term psychological harm.

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Diagnostic overshadowing

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This happens when a healthcare professional assumes physical or emotional symptoms are ‘just part of’ the person’s disability, leading to misdiagnosis or lack of treatment. It can leave people feeling dismissed, unheard, and struggling without proper mental health support.

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What mental health conditions are common in disabled people?

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Disabled people face a higher risk of mental health conditions, not because of their disability alone, but because of the stress, exclusion, and discrimination they often experience. While each person's experience is unique, there are mental health issues that disabled people commonly face.

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Anxiety

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Constant stress from navigating inaccessible environments, stigma, and the pressure to self-advocate can trigger chronic anxiety. This may include generalized anxiety, panic attacks, or social anxiety, especially among those with visible or stigmatized disabilities.

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Depression

Depression is particularly common among disabled people and may be linked to social isolation, lack of autonomy, or discrimination. Barriers to employment, healthcare, and meaningful connection can often compound feelings of hopelessness and low self-worth.

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Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

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Many disabled individuals experience trauma through medical interventions, abuse, or marginalization, with rates of neglect, harm, and violent crime significantly higher than in the general population. PTSD may go undiagnosed due to diagnostic overshadowing, especially in those with cognitive or communication differences, despite its profound impact on mental well-being.

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Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

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For some disabled people, OCD can develop as a response to feeling like they have little control over their health or body, or as a coping mechanism for overwhelming environments or significant life changes. It may be exacerbated by rigid routines or stress related to health and safety.

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Body image and identity issues

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Living in a society that idealizes certain body types can make disabled individuals feel ‘less than’. Media stereotypes, lack of representation, and stigma around mobility devices and assistance aids can deeply affect self-image and sense of identity.

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Eating disorders

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Eating disorders in disabled populations are often under-recognized. Limited autonomy, medical trauma, and body dissatisfaction may play a role. Some may also restrict food intake as a form of control when facing power imbalances in care or healthcare settings.

How does being LGBTQ+ and disabled affect mental health?

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Being LGBTQ+ and disabled means navigating two marginalized identities, and the impact on mental health can be significant. Both groups already face higher rates of discrimination, isolation, and mental distress. When these identities overlap, the challenges can multiply.

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Many LGBTQ+ disabled people report feeling invisible, even within their own communities. Queer spaces are often not physically accessible, and 65% of LGBTQ+ young people report feeling discriminated against. Simultaneously, disability spaces may not be inclusive of diverse gender and sexual identities. This double exclusion can heighten feelings of loneliness, shame, or rejection.

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Medical bias and healthcare inequities also play a role. LGBTQ+ disabled people may experience dismissive or discriminatory healthcare, face assumptions about their sexuality or gender, or experience numerous barriers to accessing affirming support for both their identity and disability. This can result in missed diagnoses, untreated mental health issues, or fear of seeking help at all, all of which can lead to adverse mental health outcomes.

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Invisible disabilities and mental health

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Not all disabilities are immediately apparent. It’s estimated that up to 80% of disabilities are invisible, including chronic pain, fatigue conditions, neurodivergence, mental health conditions, and autoimmune diseases. As these aren’t always obvious to others, they are often misunderstood, dismissed, or outright ignored.

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This lack of visibility can take a toll. People with invisible disabilities frequently have to 'prove' they are disabled, be that in the workplace, at medical appointments, or even to loved ones. They may face judgment for using accessible facilities, be accused of faking symptoms, or be told they ‘don’t look disabled’. The emotional weight of constantly needing to justify their experience can lead to anxiety, self-doubt, and isolation.

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Those with invisible disabilities also report unequal opportunities and barriers to accessing employment, education, healthcare, social care, transport, and public services. This can result in delayed diagnosis and missed mental health support while also fuelling feelings of isolation, worthlessness, and hopelessness.

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What support do people with disabilities need for their mental health?

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Supporting the mental health of disabled people means addressing more than symptoms. It must revolve around tackling the social and systemic conditions that cause distress in the first place.

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Discrimination, inaccessibility, stigma, and lack of representation all contribute to poorer mental health outcomes among disabled individuals. Mental health support must be built around recognizing these barriers and not just treating mental illness in isolation, but dismantling the structures that contribute to it.

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How to advocate for yourself when disabled

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Advocating for your mental health starts with believing your experience is valid, even if others don't always recognize it. Whether you're navigating healthcare, school, or work, don't be afraid to ask for what you need.

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You might find it helpful to:

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• Keep records of your symptoms or needs

• Set boundaries that protect your time, energy, and well-being

• Prioritize self-care by engaging in activities that contribute to your mental and emotional health

• Bring someone to your appointments for support

• Look into dedicated advocacy services in your local area

• Use scripts or access requests in writing

• Ask directly for accommodations, not just understanding

• Connect with communities that mirror your experience

• Be persistent and don’t give up: advocating for yourself can take time and effort, but you’re worth it

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Mental health accommodations and support for disabled people

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Self-advocacy is powerful, but the burden shouldn’t fall on you alone. Systems must change too. Under federal law through the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), those with disabilities are protected against discrimination in employment, state and local government, public accommodations, commercial facilities, transportation, and telecommunications.

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You have the right to request accommodations to get the mental health support you need. Some practical adjustments and pathways that can help improve your mental health and reduce day-to-day strain include:

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• Flexible work and study arrangements, such as hybrid options, adjusted hours, or rest breaks.

• Access to quiet, sensory-friendly environments.

• Online healthcare and virtual or telephone appointments.

• House call programs and prescription delivery services.

• Self-regulation tools like meditation apps, journaling, or mindfulness.

• Inclusive networks: Try platforms like Chronically Capable, The Arc, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, or local disability networks.

• Crisis support: Such as the Trevor Project (for LGBTQ+ youth), Crisis Text Line, and 988 Lifeline

• Assistive technology, from screen readers to mobility aids. These aren’t just functional, they also protect mental wellbeing by reducing overwhelm.

• Disability-informed therapists: Look for providers who specialize in chronic illness, neurodivergence, or trauma.

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Disabilities and mental health are deeply connected, not because disability itself is the problem, but because of how society often responds to it. By recognizing systemic barriers, challenging ableism, and creating more inclusive support systems, we can begin to shift the narrative from surviving to thriving.

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Want to understand more about your mental health and the support strategies that can make a difference? Explore our blog articles.

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References

• The Mental Health of People with Disabilities
• Psychological distress and mental health diagnoses in adults by disability and functional difficulty status: Findings from the 2021 national health interview survey - ScienceDirect (May 2024)
• Frequent Mental Distress Among Adults, by Disability Status, Disability Type, and Selected Characteristics — United States, 2018 (September 2020)
• A Review of the Literature - Trauma-Informed Care in Behavioral Health Services - NCBI Bookshelf (2014)
• Learning Disability and Mental Health - Mental Health Research | Mencap
• Ableism cited as major barrier to mental health care for people with disabilities (December 2024)
• Posttraumatic stress disorder in persons with developmental disabilities - PubMed (February 2024)
• The Unacknowledged Crisis of Violence Against Disabled People
• Body Image, Media Influences, and Situational Dysphoria in Individuals with Visible Physical Disabilities - PMC (June 2023)
• Neurodivergence, intersectionality, and eating disorders: a lived experience-led narrative review (November 2024)
• Disabilities and eating disorders: A theoretical model and call for research - ScienceDirect (January 2025)
• The Mental Health of LGBTQ+ Young People with Disabilities | The Trevor Project (December 2023)
• Experiences of patients with disabilities and sexual or gender minority status during healthcare interactions - PMC (December 2024)
• Invisible Disabilities in Education and Employment - POST (January 2023)
• Guide to Disability Rights Laws | ADA.gov (February 2020) 

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